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MEDICAL COLLEGES IN PAKISTAN

86K views 350 replies 55 participants last post by  wasiq9990 
#1 ·
Hi guys,
I have some questions about medical schools in pakistan. I am currently living in NewYork for 6 years. I graduated from high school two years a go. I am in college right now but now plan to pursue my education in paksitan. So when I will be applying to medical colleges, I will not be applying as a foreign student because I don't have citizenship here. I want to know what are my requirements? Which documentations do I need? Would I use high transcript or college transcript? I never took physics here, so what should I do? Also how my grades will be converted?
 
#2 ·
Hi hiftikhar,

Nice to know ur in NY, so am I. About your problem...I am not so sure because I never really came across someone in the same situation as yours. I think they might still treat you as they treat the foreign students with US Citizenship, and calculate your subject grades like they do for the rest of us. However, if you want to apply to Pakistan MEDICAL schools, then it's crucial for your admission that you take Physics. I'd recommend that you take a physics course and pass it during the summer or some time before you apply.
If, however, they don?t consider you a foreign student because of this Citizenship problem, then you?ll have to go to Pakistan with your current grades-all records of high school grades & college grades, and then you?ll have to take a test for whatever school or college/university you want to apply for. Your score on that test will determine what level they should put you at. Almost all the people I know, who went to Pakistan and applied to school from there, had to take the test- and on top of that, they were placed 1 to 2 years back?sometimes even 3 years back, because as they call it, ?our public school education is not at the level of their schooling.? Since you?re not a US Citizen, and you want to apply to med school, they might ask you to come to Pakistan and like everyone else there, take the entrance exam. Now the thing is?foreign students with US citizenship don?t have to take the entrance exam?but you?ll have to if you go and apply from there. I will stress again, that if you?re applying for medical college, whether you do it as foreign student or end up going there to take entrance exam, you must have taken physics in order to gain admission.
I am sure someone else on this site can better assist you. If you have questions about the equivalency of the marks, you can visit the Inter-Board Committee of Chairmen website, or call them up to ask specific questions.
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-285-2041
URL: http://ibcc.edu.pk

Hope some of this information helps
Best of Luck! :)
 
#3 ·
yea, you should definitely check with the IBCC, however as I understand it (and I may be totally wrong about this), the IBCC and the medical college admission system in Pakistan does not look at your citizenship but rather which style of education you have completed.

Meaning, if you did grades 9-12 of high school, you will be applying as a high school candidate and they will convert your grades to the Pakistani format and deduct some percentage off of it (common practice when converting American grades to Pakistani grades).

Moazzma is right---you are REQUIRED to take physics. Sign up for it at a junior college and start taking it now before you apply or take it at your current college, but either way you need to have taken a physics course.

So yeah I don't think it matters whether you have a pakistani or american passport---it just has to do with which type of education you completed. You did American High School, so you'll just send your high school transcript + any transcript showing you have taken physics.

Hope this helps :p
 
#4 ·
But Rehan...don't they ask for some stuff like with the transcript, they say you gotta include a copy of US Passport, proof of citizenship...at least one of your parents also need to have citizenship. Hmm...not sure...but I think you gotta provide some papers like that- remember we discussed this stuff on the other Shifa form--where we talked about the stuff you need to send with your transcript-and I believe the Citizenship paperwork and passports are one of those things.
I could be wrong.
 
#6 ·
hiftikhar said:
Thankyou so much for the information guys. But the thing is that I was going to apply for this year. So I don't know if that would be possible, cu'z like you are saying that I would have to take physics here? So in this case what should I do?
It depends how quick you can complete the Physics course. If you can obtain the resuly quickly, like say before August, something like that, then you should be able to apply.
 
#7 ·
yeah, try to see if you can join a class starting sometime soon--or look into taking a summer course and applying later on.

If you don't want to waste a year and feel that you won't be able to submit your scores in time for govt colleges because of no physics, I'd recommend looking into some private colleges as their admissions deadlines are usually after govt college entrance results have been published.
 
#8 ·
Just Sit for ur SATs...get a good score..and apply to AKU for 2007 session...if thats too late...then all u need to do is apply to Shifa medical, Fauji medical (all universities that take their entrance test in october ) ,

dont mind me asking but why wud u wanna come back for education out here? ... unless its Aga Khan Med.Uni, why ?
 
#9 ·
lolz, Sherry,
it's faster and cheaper. We finish our medical studies in 5 years so we're ahead of everyone else who studies medicine here in USA. In the US, they take 8 yrs plus 2 yrs of residency. Also if you get into Pak med college, it's like a free ticket to becoming a doctor...it's all about the admission. You just gotta try to get in some how, because once u get in...you're gonna come out of there as a doctor -if you don't drop out. Unlike here in USA, up to 12th grade is high school...so first we gotta study till 12th grade, and then apply for college...so we're already behind. After 12th grade, we go to college for FOUR YEARS...and there is no guarantee that you will get into medical school later on. After completing college for four years THEN we apply for medical school, which is an extra 4 years + 2 for internship. YEA...soooooo the smart thing is to save money, save time, get into med school in Pak...finish early, come back to USA and make lots n lots of dollars
 
#10 ·
Nice!

Wow! Moazzma,

You're a smart girl. What you just said applies to me. It seems, to me, that the system that you guys have in Pak. is the same down here in Dominican Republic... The only difference is that here in the D.R. it takes 6 to 7 years for medical schooling (depending on the student) all together (including the internship). I attend Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo (UASD).


P.S. Here is the link, but just warning, the site is not done yet!
http://www.uasd.edu.do/index.html
 
#11 ·
ol thanks Natacha... :) I was just telling it straight up. I know that most of the students, who go to study in pak, do come back and practice in USA, well obviously...why shouldn't they? They worked so hard and now it's time for them to enjoy the fruit- and make some $$$.

However, for me it's not like that. I do love USA coz it has taught me so many things and shaped me into the person I am today. However, I am not becoming a doctor for the money. I am just fulfilling my parents greatest and one n only wish- which is for me to become a doctor.

There are many things I don't like about Pakistan...like for example, the racist thoughts of some people there, and how corrupt the culture has become each day...but I guess it's like that all over the world. Despite these negatives, I love Pakistan (can?t blame my country for the actions of some of its people). So I think I'll be working in Pakistan when I graduate from there and serve my country and its poor people.

I actually wanna open up a hospital there (yea I am thinking way ahead lol....haven't even gotten into medical college yet- but still...) If God gives me a chance to become a doctor, I really want to open a hospital in Pakistan where those who can't afford it (like the low-income families) will get their medication for free or for less--whatever the circumstances-but it'll be a hospital and home of the poor people in Pakistan- where they will be given good medication, and be treated with the utmost respect.

INSHALLAH
 
#13 ·
Moazzma said:
ol thanks Natacha... :) I was just telling it straight up. I know that most of the students, who go to study in pak, do come back and practice in USA, well obviously...why shouldn't they? They worked so hard and now it's time for them to enjoy the fruit- and make some $$$.

However, for me it's not like that. I do love USA coz it has taught me so many things and shaped me into the person I am today. However, I am not becoming a doctor for the money. I am just fulfilling my parents greatest and one n only wish- which is for me to become a doctor.

There are many things I don't like about Pakistan...like for example, the racist thoughts of some people there, and how corrupt the culture has become each day...but I guess it's like that all over the world. Despite these negatives, I love Pakistan (can?t blame my country for the actions of some of its people). So I think I'll be working in Pakistan when I graduate from there and serve my country and its poor people.

I actually wanna open up a hospital there (yea I am thinking way ahead lol....haven't even gotten into medical college yet- but still...) If God gives me a chance to become a doctor, I really want to open a hospital in Pakistan where those who can't afford it (like the low-income families) will get their medication for free or for less--whatever the circumstances-but it'll be a hospital and home of the poor people in Pakistan- where they will be given good medication, and be treated with the utmost respect.

INSHALLAH
MashAllah nice post.

Every country has it's positives and negatives, at the end of the day each country has a different positive, and maybe different negative.

But Pak is a beautiful country, it seriously has many beautiful places to see, Swat, Kalam, Gilgit, Chitral, Skardu e.t.c.

The people are generally nice too. The atmosphere in Pak is different than in a Western country.

I havn't lived in Pak like for long but only been there for holidays, and when i go there for holidays I really like it.

Home country is home at the end of the day. No place like home.
 
#14 ·
Moazzma said:
lolz, Sherry,
it's faster and cheaper. We finish our medical studies in 5 years so we're ahead of everyone else who studies medicine here in USA. In the US, they take 8 yrs plus 2 yrs of residency. Also if you get into Pak med college, it's like a free ticket to becoming a doctor...it's all about the admission. You just gotta try to get in some how, because once u get in...you're gonna come out of there as a doctor -if you don't drop out. Unlike here in USA, up to 12th grade is high school...so first we gotta study till 12th grade, and then apply for college...so we're already behind. After 12th grade, we go to college for FOUR YEARS...and there is no guarantee that you will get into medical school later on. After completing college for four years THEN we apply for medical school, which is an extra 4 years + 2 for internship. YEA...soooooo the smart thing is to save money, save time, get into med school in Pak...finish early, come back to USA and make lots n lots of dollars
Just wanted to let you know that it isn't as fast as you think it is. It will take you some time to pass your USMLEs before you gain a residency spot.
 
#15 ·
ok so i m interested in going to karachi med schools

is there any one in here who is in khi med school and not in (SHIFA, RMC..or not KARACHI SCHOOLS)

or is there someone who can assist me by giving me a contact of someone who is in karachi governemnt med school likes Dow medical, or Sindh medical; who would be able to tell me more about the admission requirements..as some are saying something else..while others are 75% sure..what i m concerned about the SAT I and SAT II min.

any person from KARACHI>>CALLIN OUT
 
#16 ·
Sine240 said:
ok so i m interested in going to karachi med schools

is there any one in here who is in khi med school and not in (SHIFA, RMC..or not KARACHI SCHOOLS)

or is there someone who can assist me by giving me a contact of someone who is in karachi governemnt med school likes Dow medical, or Sindh medical; who would be able to tell me more about the admission requirements..as some are saying something else..while others are 75% sure..what i m concerned about the SAT I and SAT II min.

any person from KARACHI>>CALLIN OUT
For karachi Government schools such as Sindh and Dow, you won't need SAT or SAT II. All you need is your high school diploma evaluated by IBCC and filling out an application for those med schools at Pakistani embassy if I am correct. You rank eight med schools in your order (the way you prefer) and they match you. Of course, karachi is the one most wanted so if you don't have good scores, you may be stuck in some other med schools in sindh like Liaquat or People's med. Good luck to you.
 
#17 ·
thnks SAM
now that contends me..anyways...i should start paaacking my backpack..but hey what if i dont get into dow??i have a 3.9..and i do not know my chances in that school as a forigner..Reason for going there is bcuz its a good school that would prepare me well for USMLEs..others..naahh...
but letz say i dont get in and i m in karachi in septem/october..i end up losing my semester of school in the universties i have applied to (US)..so gotta make my decision prett fast
 
#18 ·
Sine240 said:
thnks SAM
now that contends me..anyways...i should start paaacking my backpack..but hey what if i dont get into dow??i have a 3.9..and i do not know my chances in that school as a forigner..Reason for going there is bcuz its a good school that would prepare me well for USMLEs..others..naahh...
but letz say i dont get in and i m in karachi in septem/october..i end up losing my semester of school in the universties i have applied to (US)..so gotta make my decision prett fast
Well, here's what I would do, I would go ahead and register for classes here in the school I want to go to. Pay a share of the tuition and if I happen to get in to med schools in pakistan, I would drop out from the University. Anyway, in terms of USMLE, no school will prepare you well enough for USMLEs. The reason being, the ciricculum(sp?) taught there is geared towards future Pakistani physicians, not for the USMLEs. Therefore, you won't be any better of going to DOW than let's say Sindh or KMC. In fact, you may be better prepared if you go to AKU, mainly because they are a private school with a top rated professors and academics are very much stressed there unlike DOW or any other government school (Where I have heard that professors are not very interested in teaching.) However, it will cost you a bank to go to AKU and they will require you to take SAT and SAT II. So make your decision wisely but register for classes here while you wait for the word on Pakistani schools.
 
#19 ·
By the way, apply as soon as possible, with a GPA of 3.9 you'll be pretty pleased with the results. You seem like a pretty bright guy, why don't you go to traditional 4 year undergrad here and later apply to US med schools? Not to say that those who go to Pakistani med schools are aren't bright, but with a GPA like yours, you probably will get into an upper tier university. Anyway, you must have taken SAT or ACT to apply for colleges. If you scored anywhere about 1350+ on SAT or 28+ on ACT, you may be a good canidate for BS/MD programs here in the US. One of my cousins got in to UMKC BS/MD program with a 3.6 and 28 ACT. If he can do it so can you. Just make a wise decision.
 
#20 ·
hey sam..its too late now..i have already applied to colleges and just got the award letter today..i haev to pay alot..as i am a nonresident..my parents will have to contribute in 28k from loan or so...thats alot..the university itself is one of the top public schools in USA..so i guess i am living with it...
ok so i have a 3. 9...why i cant do undergrad here??well the thing is..u never know..my undergrad of 4 years could be a waste if i dont get a good score on MCAT..but by going to DOW or smc..i will be able to learn so much more than just the regular scourses of ENglish, or some requireed courses...Human Anatomy..etc..etc.. great courses to mold my midn while i still have the motivation to study..who knows..after 4 years of undergrad here, i might become a slacker ..so the thing is..i want to learn everything now ..all the medical courses as the mind is fresh...

hey what if it happens that if i study here..i dont get a good MCAT score..my 4 years a waste..and what if i m in pak..and i dont get a good USMLE score...i could be screwed both ways...I just dont know what is best for me...

....maybe i may still consider US colleges over Dow.......hmmmmm..who knows where my destiny takes me..
 
#21 ·
FILLING out the application

while filling out the Foreign Students Application for Study in Pakistan, there was this really ambiguous blank there:
Address: A)Mailing:__________
B)Permanent: ______________

now the issue is...bcuz i m going to be here..and my relative from Pak is goign to run the application for me to the IBCC office and do the admission process, whole mailing address should i write? mine or his(since i want him to receive the info so he could, quickly go and here and there if any kind of problems occur, or there is a hiatus of some sort.

and what about the permanent address?whose should that one be also?


now the second ques is: DATE on which you begin your studies:______
bcuz i m applying for fall 06....and the selection will be made during oct/nov/..i do not know what to write for that...


3rd ques: OPTION for Admission in the Colleges in order of preference:
do i write the name of the gov colleges i want to enroll in or what??do i also include in private colleges name like aku or ziauddin ???etc

4th ques: ACADEMIC qualifications begining with SEncondary School Leaving examinttion...NAME OF INSTITITUTION>UNIVERSITY..DURATION OF COURSE..EXAMINATION PASSED..YEar...%MARKS OBTAINED..MAJOR SUBJECTS REecieved
i m a high school senior...not enrolled in a university...so how do i fill in this form..
 
#22 ·
Sine240 said:
hey sam..its too late now..i have already applied to colleges and just got the award letter today..i haev to pay alot..as i am a nonresident..my parents will have to contribute in 28k from loan or so...thats alot..the university itself is one of the top public schools in USA..so i guess i am living with it...
ok so i have a 3. 9...why i cant do undergrad here??well the thing is..u never know..my undergrad of 4 years could be a waste if i dont get a good score on MCAT..but by going to DOW or smc..i will be able to learn so much more than just the regular scourses of ENglish, or some requireed courses...Human Anatomy..etc..etc.. great courses to mold my midn while i still have the motivation to study..who knows..after 4 years of undergrad here, i might become a slacker ..so the thing is..i want to learn everything now ..all the medical courses as the mind is fresh...

hey what if it happens that if i study here..i dont get a good MCAT score..my 4 years a waste..and what if i m in pak..and i dont get a good USMLE score...i could be screwed both ways...I just dont know what is best for me...

....maybe i may still consider US colleges over Dow.......hmmmmm..who knows where my destiny takes me..
SO you are not a permanent resident or a citizen here in the US? if so, you are definitely better off going to Pakistan. The competition for med school here in the US is stiff, thus the med schools rarely accept non-residents. There are enough PR and citizens willing to go to med schools. However, if you are a permanent resident (green card holder) or a citizen, you should try for US schools. If you are willing to be a doctor, you will stay motivated. MCAT is not that bad. I am currently studying for it right now, if you really put in the effort genuinly, there's no reason you won't score 28+. Remember, you will have a lot worst exams than the MCAT in the future if you aspire to become a physician. There are plenty med schools here. If you don't get into MD schools, there are DO schools. Plenty of opportunities if you work hard enough. By the way, would you mind telling us the name of the top public schools you plan to attend? 28 K is ridiculous in tution. Anyway, good luck to you. If you choose to stay in the US, make sure you stay on top of your classes and maintain a 3.5 or above. With that GPA and a decent MCAT, I doubt you will have any difficulty getting into med school here.
 
#23 ·
sine240
in mailing u have to write the address where u can get ur mail or where u are recently living like if u are living somewhere temporarily(jst ike hoste) while in permanent write ur home add...
ur 2nd question...jst write for which session u are applying..like 2006-2007
3rd question ...applying to public n private sector is diff...in order of preference u have to write only public sector colleges..as admission in private school is done by schools themselves
4th question im nt sure what r u asking...when u will get equilance ..then u will write equilance marks n in daTE OF PASSING U WILL WRITE WHEN U PASSED HIGH SCHOOL ARE INTENDING TO PASS
 
#24 ·
hey i dont understand why all the pakistanis are applying to PAK med schools??i mean it cant be the years since it almost takes 7 years (UMLES studying) and, financially, its not cheaper there since over here u can get schooalrships here easily..or go to a local university and pay only $5k..i mean i dont understand what could be the reason for applying there??theres jsut a lame excuse of actually going there for a change or going to get adapted to Pak culture...i mean over here..they can get into the 6 year programs MD..or if not do the undergrad and take the MCAT..in 2007, the new deal is that the tests will taken on the computer so there is not a limit to how many u can take each year (thats beneficial)

its also a good idea if one doesnt do well on MCAT(jsut get a 24 and get admiited to Aga Khan), apply to PAK med school..and ull only be 22 at that time also.

hey do u guys actually know some foreighn students who went to PK to study and could not pass the USMLES ???could i get some examples??
 
#25 ·
Need some advice.

Currently, I am a sophomore at a 4 year institution in US. Recently I started thinking of other options regarding medical schools and the idea of attending a med school in Pakistan came up. I was just wondering, is it too late to apply for the 2006-2007 session?! (For gov't and private schools.)

Also, are foreign students eligible for scholarships or do schools provide some sort of financial aid?!

What are my chances of getting in if I have already taken courses that are requisites to get in med schools here in US such as: General Chemistry, 3 courses of Biology, Physics, and English. I got A's and B's in all of them.

Thanks.
 
#26 ·
Aquavitae, it is not too late to apply for the 2006-2007 session. Applications for government run schools are usually due around August. Private colleges usually have deadlines later on in the year (around October I believe).

Foreign students are usually not eligible for any sort of financial assistance when going to a government school but if you look at the tuition cost comparatively to those at US schools (or even those in the Caribbean), Pakistani tuition prices are much less. I believe the most expensive government schools charge around $10,000/year.

Your college coursework will definitely help you succeed in Pakistan but what most medical schools care about is your high school GPA, and the grades you received in your high school physics, biology, and chemistry courses. These grades are converted into a number (out of 1100) and that is what you are ranked by according to govt school admissions.

For private schools, your SAT 2 scores are usually required in the subjects of physics, chemistry and biology. If you haven't taken them yet, or don't have good scores in them, you should start studying for them and take them now.

Some more information can be found in this thread.

I hope this helps you! :p
 
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